Lucille's BBQ — Restaurant in Fort Wayne

Right idea! Wrong execution, customer service was superb which is what made this a comfortable and satisfying dining experience in spite of mediocre food. In town from Atlanta, we decided to try a local spot and feel some authentic Fort Wayne vibes. Our waitress was very attentive but not overly attentive as if searching for a great tip. She attended to Us almost as soon as we walked in we were seated with an appropriate sized table for my friend and I. She immediately took our drink orders so we did not have to wait while going over the menu. THE SWEET TEA IS SUPERB! Best in Fort Wayne hands down, tastes as if it was created with purified water and brewed by the Sun! Perfect level of sweetener and balance of tea a very refreshing sweet tea experience, I’m so upset I didn’t order a Gallon! The 2/$1 cornbread muffins were succulent and divine at an unbelievable price the ratio of corn and flour reflects authenticity and a traditional recipe, Buttermilk molasses and Butter dreams are fulfilled with this cornbread muffin experience. My girlfriend and I ordered a few sides to try as much as we could, some were ok some disappointed but none were superb. The Brussel sprouts were a total let down and the menu description was very misleading we were expecting something completely different than what we received which was overly boiled overly salted brussel sprouts with a sparse amount of rubbery bacon bits. The Mac n cheese is liquid white queso with elbow noodles not a great Mac experience at all. The queso mashed potatoes tasted incomplete, we appreciated the fresh not boxed potatoes however the potatoes were under seasoned and under mashed a smoother consistency would have made up for blandness but with potatoes being bland and under mashed it made for a disappointing mashed potato experience. The baked beans were excellent in taste quality and presentation. They looked good, and tasted GREAT if my palate serves me correctly, the sweet and spicy bbq sauce is apart of the base there was meat flowing throughout an excellent amount of sweet heat the temperature of the beans was also perfect not too hot to distract the flavor but not too room temperature to ask for hotter serving. The baked beans receives an A+. As for our entree’s we ordered 16pcs smoked wings and pulled chicken nachos. Presentation for both were superb! The serving tray is metal and very sturdy which is necessary for the generous portions received. Sturdy plateware is essential for a great dining experience when eating home cooked meals. Presentation of food receives an A+. Now, as for taste we weren’t satisfied. The Pit Master is great at what he/she does. The smoke flavor and quality of wings were superb the smokiness penetrated the skin which was still rubbery, the smoking could’ve lasted longer for a more crisp wing experience rather than wet which gave the impression of an undercooked wing which they were not. The actual meat content of the wing lacked flavor aside of smoke the wings were virtually tasteless. The nachos were presented perfectly as well the looked great the menu description aligned with what was received aside from presentation, the nachos were virtually tasteless. The pulled chicken was flavorless which highlighted the texture which was tough if the chicken had proper seasoning the texture would have been ignored. The nachos just tasted incomplete the layering technique is off. The sweet sauce drizzled on top could have been left off as there was no other flavor in the nachos to balance the sweetness of the sauce. So it tasted like blandness covered in sweetness. Again, if the chicken had been properly seasoned the sauce could have been appreciated. One of the classic bbq sauces they offer would have been an excellent and preferred flavor. The freshness of the toppings was definitely a plus it added a light completeness to the entire dining experience. Fresh jalapeños fresh tomatoes fresh lettuce we’re all superb in quality and freshness. Speaking of bbq sauces they were all great the authenticity and love can be...

2020: Decided to takeout a brisket platter with sides of poblano mac n' cheese and bacon brussels sprouts on Saturday afternoon for dinner. Called my order in around 4:30 PM and picked it up around 20 minutes later.

Lucille's brisket was tender and sooo smokey and delicious. My side of poblano mac n' cheese was velvety and creamy with a lovely mild heat that builds but does not overwhelm the taste buds. But the side of grilled bacon and brussels sprouts was surprisingly overdone and rather mushy. Thankfully it was enjoyable besides the strange texture.

Overall the meal was very good, and I felt my money was well spent. I don't eat here often because I live out of the neighborhood, but find the offerings usually are well prepared, tasty and very filling - a fine dinner treat for a hungry gal at the end of a long work week.

Update 06/27/23: Had many a meal here since my original review with happy tummies and tastebuds. Today, I stopped for a late Wednesday lunch, ordered a brisket sammie with the wilson beans and cheesy corn. The restaurant had only two other tables occupied, and it was relaxing and peaceful for this single diner in need of a good meal. When my meal arrived, the offerings on the platter were quite tasty, but the brisket sammie was a bit dry for my taste (out of the ordinary for Lucille's). Otherwise, it was good and I enjoyed a leisurely meal alone with my thoughts.

I took a quick restroom break (still in the middle of my meal) and came back to find my table had been entirely cleared! I had to ask for the waitstaff... Shocked.

The yound man who had cleared my meal apologized and offered to make a whole new platter. I explained to him that the place was not busy AT ALL, so next time, could he please check to see if the table paid yet prior to clearing. If not, the diner may be in the restroom and he should wait a little before clearing up. There was no one waiting for a table, and this was a rookie mistake and indicated an inexperienced waiter. I told him I didn't really need a second meal, but he felt bad and insisted. So I let him box it up to take home, and I payed my bill. Had a quick chat with the manager about offering him some extra training about observing clients better to prevent future issues. He was a nice young person and I'm sure he will do better as he gains experience.

I still truly enjoy my meals from Lucille's BBQ. This is a great family-owned business, and one little hiccup can't put a dent in my esteem for their delicious handiwork. God bless these hardworking, talented...

Wife and I came to try a new BBQ place. As a Texan I can attest to how hard it is to find good bbq in Indiana, but this place was a taste of home in the great white north. Do-try one of everything. I never thought I'd see the day where pulled pork was the star of the show, but I be danged if it wasn't. And that's not taking away from anything. The brisket was cut a hair too thick for my liking but still tasted great, had a very good bark, fat line was trimmed perfect. The chicken was also top shelf, but needed to be sliced instead of pulled imo. But that's a personal preference and in no way takes away from the flavor or how juicy it was. -Enjoy the music. They were playing the absolute best of the blues. Stevie Rae, muddy waters, a little zz top to jazz it up. Great music. Donts-be scared of the price on the menu. I got the 4 meat. It can feed a small pride of lions or a large pack of feral cats. The servings are huge. Me and my buddy can put away a large pizza and bread sticks easy. I barely made it through half of what they served me, and I sampled each cut. (FYI, yankees take note. Go to this place. Order the sausage. Experience true sausage where you don't just taste jalapeño OR cheddar. This place has it down to an art form.) -Dont expect a 5 minute sit down to consumption time. And this is not a knock on the staff. It takes time to prep and cut proper bbq. Have a SODA (it's not a pop you uncivilized heathens) and enjoy the music while talking with friends.

My only complaint, was the sauce. Guys, I will be returning every month guaranteed. The sauces aren't BAD but the TX bbq isn't actually close to hitting the mark. The mustard is...no. Goly no. Vinegar is actually pretty decent for what it is. I hate sweet bbq sauce, so that boat sank before it left the dock. My wife said she liked it along with the couple we came with so it's probably good to milder pallets. I'm always open to helping touch up a heartier sauce that would accent your heavy smoked meats.

This place is awesome and hands down the best BBQ in NE Indiana by a mile. And it...